function
nounWhat something does or is made to do.
nounA job or role that someone has.
nounA formal event or party.
verbTo work or operate properly.
nounA set of instructions that a computer follows to do a task.
nounSomething that depends on something else to exist or have meaning.
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Word forms:
Related words (same phonics pattern)
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter F
The letter F makes the /f/ sound, like in 'fish', 'fun', and 'fox'. The upper teeth touch the lower lip.
F is a voiceless labiodental fricative — the upper front teeth rest on the lower lip while air flows through to make the /f/ sound. It is very consistent.
Tip
F is for fish — and fish starts with /f/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Short U
The letter U makes a short sound, like in 'cup' and 'bus'.
When the letter U appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short U sound /ʌ/. This sounds like 'uh'.
Tip
U says /ʌ/ like 'uh-oh, what's up?'
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter N
The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.
Tip
N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Hard C
C makes the /k/ sound before A, O, U, or a consonant, like in 'cat' and 'cup'.
The letter C makes the hard /k/ sound when followed by A, O, U, or a consonant. This is the default C sound. Examples: cat, cup, coat, cold, crab, class.
Tip
C says K before A, O, U — cat, cup, coat!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Suffix -TION
-TION says /shun/! It turns verbs into nouns, like 'action' and 'nation'.
The suffix -tion is pronounced /ʃən/ (shun). It usually turns a verb into a noun: 'act' → 'action'. The TI makes a /ʃ/ sound, which is unusual for T.
Tip
TION says SHUN — the nation takes action!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.